Why Is It Important to Pack Carry-On Correctly?
Well-packed luggage can make the difference between a good trip and a bad one. Dramatic? A tad. But honestly, think about it: having everything you need for an upcoming adventure is so important.
Imagine flying to New York on a business trip and bringing the wrong laptop cord for your presentation. Or heading to the Caribbean for a long-awaited scuba camp and forgetting the mask that fits just so.
Add in the space constraints of a carry-on case, and the importance of cracking the packing code increases exponentially. There are lots of reasons we choose to travel with a carry-on rather than full-sized luggage. It’s a discount ticket and the airline only allows one carry-on per customer, or you’re trying to save on baggage fees, or you simply need to travel light.
But by streamlining the packing process, you’re setting up future you for smooth sailing once you hit the road. (Too many mixed metaphors?) So, as your trip quickly approaches, let’s get down to business — here’s how to pack carry-on like a pro.
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How to Pack Carry-On the Right Way
Packing a carry-on bag can feel like a crash course in minimalism. While limiting yourself to bringing only what you truly need can be a struggle, keeping it simple is key.
Think through what activities you’ll be doing and write down what you’ll need for each. Now, be honest: are there items that are “nice-to-haves” rather than “must-haves”? Start with the “musts” and add in “wants” if there’s space left over.
Dos
1. Make a List… And Check It Twice
A packing list is key. No matter where you’re going, there are a handful of items that come with you no matter what. Rather than rewriting the list each time, frequent flyers have a go-to digital checklist.
If you prefer a hardcopy version, laminate your packing list and keep it in your case (along with a mini dry-erase pen). That way, it’s ready to go for the next time you’re booked to go.
To get you started, here’s a basic packing list for a three-day trip:
Three sets of clothes* that are seasonally/climate/event appropriate
*consider layers for climate-controlled airports, airplanes and hotel lobbies
One pair of shoes/sandals
One pair of pyjamas/preferred sleepwear
Toiletry bag (made of clear PVC for quick security checks)
Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
Skincare/sunscreen (travel size or decanted into reusable silicone travel bottles)
Supplements/medications* (in original bottle with prescription info)
*always check the destination’s regulations as many countries have different laws around specific meds and supplements
Phone, earbuds, charger, adapter (if going to a country with a different electrical system)
Laptop/tablet/eReader and charging cords
Water bottle*
*drink contents before going through security
AirTag* (or similar)
* While you’re planning on keeping the bag with you, airlines will often offer free gate check if the flight is overbooked and overhead bins are going to be too full.
2. Use Packing Cubes
If you don’t already own a set of packing cubes, this is a must-have purchase to pack carry-on effectively. Think of them as drawer organizers for your carry-on — they make it easy to keep similar items together.
But beyond the benefits of keeping clothes neat and tidy, they also act as little compressors, maximizing that high-value packing space. Also, use smaller pouches and folders to keep cords and chargers together, as well as passports and travel documents.
Tip: Allocate a cube for soiled clothing.
3. Have a Specific Place for Everything… Even Underwear
Sure, stuffing everything into your bag willy-nilly will get the job done, but true travel pros know better. They understand that the key to stress-free travel is smooth transitions. Going from the house to the Uber to check-in and through security all require different items — keys, credit card, passport, etc.
Having easy access to whatever you’ll need when you need it reduces stress. Map out where everything will live and stick to it. The yellow cube is for socks and underwear, the blue one for tops and the red one is for bottoms, for example. When you reach into your bag, it shouldn’t be a mystery what you’ll pull out!
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Don’ts
1. Wait Until the Night Before
The biggest mistake travellers make is packing the night before a big trip. Don’t do this! Start gathering what you’ll need the week leading up to the departure day. Starting early means you’ll have enough time to fill in any packing gaps without any panic.
Realize that your bikini is totally shredded from accidentally going in the dryer with a zippered hoodie? Now you have days to pick up a new one, no problem. Notice that your laptop cord is fraying and not connecting properly? Better to discover that now and replace it rather than finding out at 11:45 pm in a hotel room after 17 hours of straight travel.
2. Overstuff the Space
Sure, after filling a carry-on case with the essentials, space is going to be tight. But if at all possible, do leave a little room for travelling incidentals. An airport magazine, a packet of gummy worms, or the latest novel featuring fairies and wickedly handsome angels are the treats that make the mundane minutes of travel fun.
There is also a not-insignificant chance that where you’re going has some stellar shopping spots for gifts… and gifts for yourself. You’ll be happy you saved some space when packing up your purchases on that final day.
3. Worry
Travel can be unpredictable, so if all those best-laid packing plans go up in smoke, don’t stress too much. Sometimes zippers break, things go missing, clothing rips… pivoting is a big part of travel too. All we can do is map things out the best we can and set ourselves up for travelling success.
Having a solid plan of what and how to pack carry-on the smart way is a step in the right direction though. So, with that, happy packing and safe travels!
